Originally written for Port Rowan Good News during Noel Haydt’s 2014–2018 term as Ward 1 Councillor. Published here from the original archived document; spelling and wording have been preserved.
PRGN JUNE
We have had a lot of wet weather this spring and many of the farmers’ fields were flooded through most of May. Farmers will likely be out planting a little later than usual so please be patient when you are on the road behind a tractor. Most farmers do try to pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and respect the fact that faster moving vehicles are behind them. We all get in a rush, but so will a lot of the farmers this year trying to ensure their livelihoods. Unfortunately, we can’t control mother nature, but the farmers will appreciate your patience and understanding.
I have heard a number of comments over the past month regarding drivers not pulling over for the Flashing Green lights of our Volunteer Fire Department. I know not everyone understands what the green flashing light represents, especially if you did not grow up in a small town environment. If you happen to see a vehicle behind you with the green lights flashing, please pull over as it means our volunteer Men and Women are on the way to a fire call. Pulling over allows them to safely pass and allows them to respond to the emergency more quickly.
Earlier in May I was invited to the 176th anniversary of the Houghton First Baptist Church. The Church itself has been around for 122 years, however, the congregation has endured 176 years. It was a pleasure to go to the service with such a great group of individuals. There were visitors from many different denominations simply there to show their respect and appreciation and it was a great evening of worship and camaraderie. It was an honour to have been invited to spend an evening with such a wonderful group.
I would like to take a minute to thank everyone at Long Point and all of the Visitors to the point for their comments regarding the excess signage. I had visited Long Point a number of times and was aware of the issue and brought it to Council. I would like to thank everyone for their emails and phone calls to support my request for removing the excess signage.
There has also been an issue at Long Point and Turkey Point in regards to development applications being refused at the Long Point Conservation Authority. In the 1989 Shoreline Management Study it was recommended that Norfolk County implement a municipal flood response plan. If the threat to safety is high enough the decision to evacuate from Turkey Point to Peacock Point is left with the municipal flood coordinator. Long Point, however, is rated a higher risk and the recommendation is that evacuation be considered when a flood advisory is issued. Even though the development of a municipal flood response plan was recommended in 1989 nothing was done and LPRCA staff is refusing many applications based on the fact that in the possibility of a hundred year flood event there isn’t safe access and egress. I have asked staff at Norfolk County to address this pressing issue and am told it will take six months to come up with a plan.
Recently, I tabled a notice of motion to seek permission to hire a coastal engineer to give us a Shoreline Protection Plan (SPP) for Long Point. The high water this year has caused a severe amount of erosion at the start of Woodstock Avenue and is now threatening the 60-70 section as well. The recommendation from the 1989 study is a simple ‘do nothing’ approach and I find this completely unacceptable that property owners are not allowed to protect their investments. Recently, the LPRCA passed a resolution to allow the home owners at the beginning of Woodstock to protect their shorelines. This whole process has taken nearly a year to complete. I am hoping that the proposed SPP will allow owners the ability to move quicker to protect their respective cottages based on those findings. I’ve also asked that council endorse a letter to the Province to review the Shoreline Property Assistance Act in an effort to find funding for these protection works.
Norfolk County also owns around 70 lots on Hastings Drive. In my motion I will be asking what can be done to allow more access to these lots for the public. I have been asked by my constituents many times over the years about what County is doing with them and feel that we need to look at our options. I did find an article from 1988, during the Township of Norfolk days, where council at that time discussed the possibility of installing a boat ramp for public use at that location and to bring tourists to the area. In a recent video posted online you can see where Hastings Drive was flooded with the damage being concentrated at the County owned lots. In my opinion, County is being negligent in not prospecting the road as those lots are the weakest points and will strand owners at the end of the drive. Many other municipalities use science to not only protect their shorelines but also create fish habitat in their plans and this is something we should at least look into.
I receive calls almost daily regarding the exorbitant rates we are paying for our electricity. While this is a provincial matter I certainly agree with my constituents that we are paying way too much. The recent share sale is expected to bring in $3.07 billion dollars for a total of $9 billion of all shares the government has sold. $5 billion will be used to reduce the debt and $4 billion in much needed infrastructure funding. Isn’t it odd that you would use over half the proceeds of the sale to reduce the debt of the company you are selling that will be 60% privately owned and while asking your customers to continue to pay the debt retirement fee?
A public meeting to discuss these high rates will be held at the Port Rowan Community Center on June 15th at 7pm.
Also of note is that that Province has rescinded on its proposal to require regular inspections, pumping out of septic tanks and keeping of the septic tanks maintenance records. This is definitely a win for rural residents and shows the power that municipalities have when they band together for a just cause.
With this year being full of Canada 150 Celebrations, there are a huge number of events planned in the community. Our Volunteers are working diligently planning events for the entire community to enjoy. If you happen to have a bit of free time on your hands, please reach out to one of our many Community Service Groups and lend a hand. I am sure there is a lot of opportunity to help lighten the load and that any help would be much appreciated.
The Canada 150 – A music medley will be held at the Port Rowan Park starting at 10:30am on July 1st and ending at 4pm. There will also be live music starting at 3pm on the patio at the Port Rowan Legion, Branch 379.